Mobile Phones

Buying a new Phone through a contract can be a cost effective way to upgrade. Rather than paying the full cost of the Phone upfront, it can be paid off in instalments on a regular phone bill. In exchange, the Phone that you buy will be locked to that network during the contract's term. For locked phones, you cannot freely swap SIM Cards for other network providers until you have met the conditions needed to unlock it, usually only if the contract's time has expired or you have paid a release fee to the provider. The existing network provider will be able to provide these details.

Purchasing a Unlocked Phone outright may cost more initially but it gives the flexibility to use any a SIM Card for any network. If you already have a SIM Card from a previous Phone, you may want to keep that and carry it over into your new Phone as it may have contacts, photos and other personal files saved to it.

SIM Cards themselves come in three sizes; standard, micro and nano. Networks can generally send out new sizes free of charge and some Multi SIM cards can be size adjusted as needed. eSIM cards are also starting to become popular as digital options for maximum flexibility and no more awkward removals or installations.

5G internet is the next generation of Mobile Network infrastructure. This new technology standard builds on the capabilities of 4G to deliver faster speeds, more reliable connections and close to zero latency. In Australia, 5G infrastructure is still being rolled out and it may not be readily available outside of major metropolitan areas. To access 5G you will need a 5G compatible phone or smart device and a 5G plan with your service provider, in addition to coverage in the area where you are.

Location, service provider and the type of plan you are on are factors that influence the costs, data limits and speeds available for home and Mobile Internet. As it currently stands 5G can theoretically reach speeds of up to 20 gigabytes per second, around 200 times faster than the 100 megabytes per second speeds NBN currently offers to most Australians. 5G is limited by potential downtime along with short range but can be a viable substitute for home NBN and broadband.

Check the device specifications for 5G compatibility and network band support to ensure it works with your carrier. Additionally, verify if the phone requires a physical SIM card or supports the newer eSIM standard. Phones and wearables specifications list supported frequencies and technologies.

Choosing between an iPhone or an Android Smart Phone will largely come down to personal preferences and how you want to use your device, with each having their own strengths.

iPhones are manufactured by Apple and run off Apple’s iOS operating system. Because Apple controls the hardware and software design, the tech and operating system that make up and iPhone complement each other for high efficiency. Apple products are designed to work together in simple and useful ways, with many Phone Accessories designed for iPhones.

Android is a Google made operating system and unlike Apple’s iPhone, Android Phones are designed and manufactured by a wide variety of companies like Samsung, Motorola and Google to name a few. Because of this, most of the Mobile Phones on the market today are Android OS and this gives users a much wider selection of products to choose from across budget and premium prices. Newer Android Phones use the USB-C standard of cables, which are standard across most newer tech products aside from Apple.

Start with the "Big Four"! First, decide if you’re a fan of Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android—sticking with what you know makes the switch much easier. Next, think about storage; we reckon 128GB is the sweet spot for most people to keep all those apps and photos handy. If you’re a bit of a shutterbug, make sure the camera specs match your style. Finally, keep an eye out for a battery around 4000mAh or higher—that way, you won't be hunting for a charger halfway through your day!

If you’re looking to save a packet, timing is everything! Your best bet is to hold out for the big ones—Black Friday, Boxing Day, or those massive Mid-Year sales. That’s when you’ll see the biggest price drops across the board.

Another pro tip? Keep an eye on when the big brands launch their latest "flagship" models. As soon as the shiny new one hits the shelves, the previous version (which is still a fantastic piece of tech!) usually gets a 20% to 40% discount. It’s the smartest way to get premium features without the premium price tag. Just try to avoid buying right at launch if you’re hunting for value—that’s when prices are at their peak!